§ Mr. OatenTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will conduct a review of urban capacity studies completed by local authorities to ensure that they comply with the guidelines set out by his Department; and if he will place a freeze on MDA approvals pending the outcome of this review. [2586]
§ Ms KeebleLocal planning authorities are responsible for undertaking the urban housing capacity studies required by our planning guidance for housing (PPG3). We expect these studies to lead to updated development plans that give priority to reusing brownfields before developing greenfields. All proposals for housing development should be tested against the policies set out in PPG3 and local authorities are directed to consult the Secretary of State before giving planning permission for major housing developments on greenfield land allocated in their plans.